The Truth about the Viscount (Whispers of the Ton #4)

Chapter 14

Chapter Fourteen

“ M ama?”

Patience’s whole body was trembling, such was the suddenness of her new betrothal. She did not know what her mother would say to such a thing, but she was already certain that there would be no serious complaint. Yes, there would be a degree of surprise, but Lord Hastings had enough of a fortune and good standing in society for this to be nothing but accepted.

“Yes, my dear?” Lady Osterley turned, only to look up in surprise at Lord Hastings. “Oh, good evening, Lord Hastings. How very good to see you.”

She smiled but then glanced down at Patience’s hand on Lord Hastings’ arm before turning enquiring eyes towards Patience.

“Mama, I have something to tell you.” Her heart beating furiously, Patience looked back at her mother steadily, just as Christina came to join them. “Lord Hastings has asked for my hand, and I have accepted him – this in lieu of father’s acceptance, of course, which I am sure will be given.”

Fixing a smile on her face as she waited for her mother’s response, Patience took in the astonishment that filled her mother’s expression. Her eyes flared wide, her mouth rounding into a circle while Christina let out a choked sound, making Patience wince just a little.

“Betrothed?” her mother whispered, her gaze going from Patience to Lord Hastings and back again. “You wish to marry my Patience?”

Lord Hastings nodded.

“I do. Very much. My heart desires only her.”

The sincerity in his tone made Patience’s heart warm, only for her to close her eyes for a moment, recalling what it was that had made this betrothal take place. Lord Hastings was very kind to speak so, but there was no real truth to it, she knew. Not as yet. Taking a breath, she kept her smile fixed in place. Perhaps things would change, in time.

“My goodness.” Lady Osterley paused for a moment, only for her then to fling her arms around Patience’s neck, exclaiming wildly as she did so. “This is quite wonderful! How delightful to hear this news! I cannot believe that you have found so excellent a match, Patience, and without even an official courtship first!” Releasing her, she then grasped Lord Hastings’ hand. “I know that you have been spending time in Patience’s company, of course, but I did not think that such a desire would grow so quickly!”

“Well, it has.” Lord Hastings beamed with what, to everyone else, looked like genuine delight, though Patience knew otherwise. “I do hope that you will permit me to tell my friends here this evening? It is wonderful news, and I should very much like to share it. Though, if you think it best to wait for Lord Osterley’s consent, then I quite understand.”

Lady Osterley shook her head.

“No, no, we need not wait. He will be more than delighted, I assure you. Of course, you must go and tell as many others as you wish – and I shall too.”

“How wonderful.” Christina stepped forward and immediately embraced Patience, though Patience caught the look of confusion that lingered in her eyes when she pulled back. “You will have to tell me all about it in greater detail later this evening, Patience. I must know how it is that Lord Hastings proposed.”

“I shall.” Seeing that her sister suspected that there was something more to this, Patience could only look away, turning her gaze up to Lord Hastings. “Might we take a turn about the room? I cannot recall if Eleanor is present this evening, but if she is, I should like to see her.”

He nodded, his smile still in place.

“Of course.” With a nod to Lady Osterley, he led them both away and Patience walked with him, feeling the need to lean into him a little more. They walked in silence for a few minutes, nodding and smiling at a few other guests, until finally, Lord Hastings spoke. “I cannot quite believe that we are betrothed.” He looked down at her, his blue eyes seeming to glow with a sense of happiness, though Patience was rather surprised to see it. “I shall have to tell my mother and sister as soon as I return home. Neither of them went out this evening, for they were both a little fatigued still from a ball last evening.” A slight glint came into his eyes. “We shall have to make sure that Isabella is wed first, however, since she was betrothed first.”

The thought of standing up in church and making her vows to Lord Hastings sent both a flurry of pleasure and doubt running through Patience’s frame. It had all been so sudden, she was still trying to take in her new situation though the fact that Lord Hastings appeared to be so contented with their betrothal did bring her a good deal of relief.

“Betrothed?”

Patience swallowed at the tightness in her throat just as Lord Hastings greeted Lady Gregson, one of the most renowned gossips in the ton . She had overheard Lord Hastings saying something about the betrothal and, without hesitation, had broken into their conversation to find out what it might be about. Normally, Patience might have found herself a little disinclined towards the lady’s company but now, in this circumstance, she welcomed it.

“Good evening, Lady Gregson.” She glanced up at Lord Hastings. “Yes, it is as you heard. Lord Hastings and I are now announcing our betrothal to the ton. ”

Lady Gregson gasped, one hand at her mouth, her eyes flaring wide as the attention of many others was caught by her actions.

“Did you say… betrothed?” Lady Gregson whispered, a small smile tipping up one side of her mouth, clearly delighted that she was to be the first one to know of it. “Truly?”

Lord Hastings nodded.

“Yes, we are betrothed. I wanted to wait for a little longer before telling the ton of my happiness, given that my sister has not even had her betrothal ball as yet but, truth be told, I could not help it! I am much too happy to keep my joy within.”

Lady Gregson’s eyes widened all the more.

“You mean to say that you have been betrothed for some time? Oh, Lord Hastings! How considerate of you! And Lady Patience, how patient you have been!”

Patience opened her mouth to correct the lady, but Lord Hastings set one hand on hers as it sat on his arm, quietening her. It was, she realized, a benefit to them if Lady Gregson believed that they had been betrothed for some time. That story would be spread and, therefore, anything that Lady Winters might say would be blown into fine dust, soon to be forgotten.

“I am sure that you have many a person you wish to tell,” Lady Gregson continued, making to step away from them both. “I will not hold you back.”

Murmuring his thanks, Lord Hastings sent a twinkling look towards Patience, a tiny smile curling one side of his lip which, seeing it, made Patience smile broadly. It was quite obvious to them both that Lady Gregson did not care about either of them but was eagerly hurrying away so that she might spread their news.

“For once, I find myself grateful for the ton and their delight in spreading whispers,” Lord Hastings said, out of the corner of his mouth. “I cannot express my gratitude to you enough in this, Lady Patience.” Turning his head to look straight into her eyes, his smile became a little more gentle, almost tender. “We are betrothed. And soon, all of society shall know it.”

“You are betrothed ?” Patience rose to her feet, crossed the drawing room, and pulled her cousin into a tight hug. She said nothing, a lump in her throat as Eleanor leaned back to look into Patience’s eyes, concern lingering there. “Are you happy in your betrothal?”

Patience nodded, releasing Eleanor but catching her hands instead.

“I wanted to tell you last evening, but I could not.”

“That is because I was not present,” Eleanor told her. “I was at a soiree, only to hear Lady Winters make the most extraordinary statement! She informed us all that Lord Hastings was courting Lady Madeline! And that he wanted very much to betrothe himself to her!”

Licking her lips, Patience nodded.

“Eleanor, it is because of that statement that I find myself betrothed to Lord Hastings.” Quickly explaining, she made her way across the room to sit back down, her cousin coming to sit beside her. “Might I ask when you heard the news?”

Eleanor smiled, a tiny gleam in her eye.

“It was at the soiree. Someone who had been at the ball came to play cards and, as he sat down, told Lord Johnstone that Lord Hastings had just declared his betrothal to Lady Patience – and not only that, that you had been betrothed for some time but had not told anyone to give Miss Spearton her happiness.”

Awash with relief, Patience’s shoulders dropped just a little.

“That is good. I am glad that Lady Winters’ story was prevented from spreading.”

Eleanor set one hand over Patience’s.

“Not only that, but those at the soiree, once they had heard the news, then began to question Lady Winters as to why she would say such a thing about a gentleman who had already announced himself betrothed. Lady Winters began to stammer some explanation but another lady – I believe it was Lady Berridale – stated that she had never seen Lady Madeline and Lord Hastings in company, and accused Lady Winters of fabricating the connection to push her daughter a little more into society’s view.” She pressed Patience’s hand. “I, of course, pretended that I had known about it for a long time, and had been told to remain silent. Given what you have explained to me, I think that you and Lord Hastings have succeeded in thwarting Lord Newforth’s efforts. Lady Winters is the one embarrassed and ashamed, I am afraid, though that is entirely her own doing.”

Patience nodded.

“Yes, it is.”

“Tell me.” Eleanor lifted her hand and then tipped her head, studying Patience’s face. “Are you happy with this betrothal? You have not long known Lord Hastings and I must wonder if this is a wise idea.”

Patience looked down at her hands as they rested in her lap, wondering if she ought to be truthful with her cousin or if she ought to pretend that all was well, regardless of what she felt inwardly. After a few moments of quiet, she lifted her gaze back to Eleanor, then spread out her hands.

“I will admit that I have found myself a little drawn to Lord Hastings of late. We started off rather badly but that has improved significantly to the point that I have found myself eager to be in conversation with him whenever I can. I think him very handsome and, truth be told, when he made the suggestion that we become betrothed, there was something within my heart that flew to the skies in delight.”

Eleanor’s eyes continued to search Patience’s face though, after another short while, she smiled.

“Then might I wish you every happiness, Patience. Though,” she continued, a frown marring her otherwise warm expression, “I think that now, you must be even more on your guard. Lord Newforth will be greatly displeased, and now Lady Winters will be upset and angry also. I do not know what they will do, but I fear that they will attempt to shame you both in some way.”

Patience pressed her lips tight together as she considered this, only to nod.

“Yes, I can see why you might be concerned, but I have made my decision. I am now betrothed to be married to Lord Hastings, and I will continue to aid him in whatever way I can against Lord Newforth.”

Eleanor sighed gently but then smiled.

“You are always sure of what you want to do, are you not? I am glad for you, truly. Though, I do hope that you will continue to put your drawings into The London Chronicle? I note that my likeness has not yet been published within it!” She laughed as Patience giggled, her eyes twinkling. “Your work is well known in society now, Patience. You cannot give it up just because you are betrothed and now have a wedding to plan!”

Patience laughed with her cousin, her heart filled with a surge of happiness.

“I shall not stop, I assure you,” she said, rising to ring the bell. “In fact, I promise you that you shall be the very next drawing I send to The London Chronicle. Will that satisfy you?”

Her cousin grinned.

“I shall be more than contented with that. Thank you, Patience.”